AN/AAQ-24(V) DIRCM (Directional Infrared Countermeasure)

Making missiles toast for 50 years

Northrop Grumman is proud to have been at the forefront of warfighter protection since 1961. That's when our engineers developed the first active onboard IRCM system capable of defeating an air-to-air, heat-seeking missile. Today, our DIRCM laser-based systems protect more than 1,500 aircraft, including large and small fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and tilt-rotor platforms.

The AN/AAQ-24(V) Directional Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) system is the only DIRCM system in production today that will protect aircraft from today's infrared guided missiles.

Traditional IR countermeasures are not effective against the modern IR missiles that are growing in popularity among terrorist groups and in thirdworld countries. A Directional Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) system is required to defeat the latest and future advanced IR threats, and has a lower life cycle cost compared to other IR countermeasure approaches.

Customized installation

The AAQ-24(V) is available in a laser-based configuration. Northrop Grumman then selects from a modular family of transmitters, jammers and missile warning systems to provide a customized installation best able to meet your specific platform, mission and budget requirements. Upgrades to existing systems are easy to install without further airframe modifications.

The Guardian™ system provides 360° protection against a wide range of missile threats. The Guardian™ system includes a multiband laser pointer/ tracker and an ultraviolet missile warning sensor. The system is contained almost entirely in a single pod that mounts to the underside of the fuselage. Learn more about Guardian™.